Measles continues to spread across Pennsylvania and South Jersey in 2026, with case counts reaching levels not seen in decades. Although measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, the virus has resurged due to international travel and pockets of low vaccination coverage. Families throughout the Philadelphia metro area — including Southeastern Pennsylvania and South Jersey — are being urged to stay informed, review vaccination records, and understand how measles spreads.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health reports 943 confirmed measles cases across 39 counties, 176 hospitalizations, and give measles‑associated deaths so far as of the end of September 2026. All four deaths occurred in unvaccinated individuals. New Jersey health officials have also issued multiple measles exposure alerts in Camden, Gloucester, Burlington, and Mercer Counties.

With measles activity now affecting nearly every part of the Delaware Valley, understanding symptoms, transmission, and prevention is essential for protecting your household and community.

Why Measles Is Surging Again

Measles remains common in parts of the world, and outbreaks occur when infected travelers introduce the virus into communities with lower vaccination rates. Pennsylvania's outbreak began in late April and has grown steadily, prompting more than 100 pop‑up vaccination clinics and thousands of additional MMR vaccinations statewide.

The virus spreads extremely easily — far more efficiently than influenza or COVID‑19 — and can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.

Counties Affected in the Philadelphia Metro Area

Southeastern Pennsylvania

The following counties — all part of the Philadelphia metro region — have confirmed measles activity in 2026:

Philadelphia County
Montgomery County
Bucks County
Chester County
Delaware County

These counties are highly interconnected through daily commuting, school systems, healthcare networks, and retail centers, increasing the likelihood of cross‑county exposure.

Nearby Pennsylvania Counties With Significant Activity

These counties are not part of the core metro area but directly influence regional spread due to travel patterns:

Lancaster County — one of the hardest‑hit counties statewide
Berks County
Lehigh County
York County
Dauphin County
Cumberland County
Jefferson County — measles‑associated death confirmed
Mifflin County — measles‑associated death confirmed

Pennsylvania's statewide dashboard confirms cases across 38 counties, demonstrating widespread transmission.

South Jersey Counties

The New Jersey Department of Health has reported measles activity and exposure alerts in:

Camden County
Gloucester County
Burlington County
Mercer County
Salem County

These counties are part of the Philadelphia metro commuter belt and share schools, workplaces, and healthcare systems with Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Why This Matters for Families in the Philly Region

The Philadelphia metro area is one of the most mobile regions in the country. Residents routinely travel between:

Philadelphia
King of Prussia
West Chester
Doylestown
Media
Cherry Hill
Deptford
Washington Township
Hamilton
Ewing
Pennsville

Because measles can spread simply through shared airspace — even without direct contact — a single exposure in a public setting can affect dozens of people.

Philadelphia health officials have previously issued exposure alerts connected to Philadelphia International Airport, retail stores, and healthcare facilities.

Symptoms of Measles

Symptoms typically appear 7–21 days after exposure.

Early symptoms:

Fever
Cough
Runny nose
Red, watery eyes

Later symptoms:

A spreading rash that begins on the head or face
High fever (sometimes above 104°F)
Fatigue
Sensitivity to light

Because early symptoms resemble flu or COVID‑19, individuals should contact a healthcare provider if they suspect exposure.

How Contagious Is Measles?

Measles is one of the most contagious viruses known:

Spreads through coughing, sneezing, talking, or breathing
Remains infectious in the air for up to two hours
People are contagious before symptoms appear
Exposure can occur in schools, airports, stores, workplaces, and healthcare facilities

This is why public health officials respond aggressively to even a single case.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Higher‑risk groups include:

Infants too young for vaccination
Pregnant individuals
People with weakened immune systems
Unvaccinated children
Unvaccinated adults

Complications can include pneumonia, ear infections, severe dehydration, encephalitis, hospitalization, and death.

MMR Vaccination: Your Best Protection

The MMR vaccine provides 97% lifetime protection after two doses. In Pennsylvania's 2026 outbreak:

Less than 1% of cases occurred in fully vaccinated individuals
All four measles‑associated deaths were in unvaccinated residents

Adults who are unsure of their vaccination status should speak with a healthcare provider.

What To Do If You Think You Were Exposed

If you believe you may have been exposed:

Call ahead before visiting urgent care or a doctor
Inform staff about possible exposure
Follow instructions for testing and evaluation
Avoid exposing others, especially infants and immunocompromised individuals

Seek medical attention promptly if you develop fever and rash.

When to Visit AFC Urgent Care

Urgent care evaluation is appropriate if you:

Develop fever and rash
Experience symptoms after known exposure
Need help confirming vaccination status
Have questions about MMR vaccination
Need guidance on whether you may be contagious

Urgent care providers can help determine next steps and reduce community spread.

If you need an MMR vaccination, have questions about your immunity, or are experiencing symptoms after a possible exposure, AFC Urgent Care centers throughout the Philadelphia metro area can help. Our providers offer MMR vaccination, symptom evaluation, testing guidance, and support for families who may have been exposed to measles. Walk in for care or call ahead if you are experiencing fever and rash so staff can prepare appropriate precautions.

Find Your Center

Protecting Your Family During the 2026 Measles Surge

With measles activity now confirmed across 38 Pennsylvania counties and multiple South Jersey counties, staying informed and vaccinated is essential. The virus is preventable — and vaccination remains the strongest protection for your family and community.

If you have concerns about symptoms, exposure, or vaccination, contact a healthcare provider or urgent care center for guidance.

Local Measles Resources for the Philadelphia Metro Area

Delaware County

Delaware County Health Department https://delcopa.gov/health/

New Jersey State Resources

New Jersey Department of Health — Communicable Disease Service https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/
NJ DOH Measles Information https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/measles.shtml

Camden County

Camden County Health Department https://www.camdencounty.com/service/health-human-services/

Gloucester County

Gloucester County Health Department https://www.gloucestercountynj.gov/168/Health-Department

Burlington County

Burlington County Health Department https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/290/Health-Department

Mercer County

Mercer County Division of Public Health https://www.mercercounty.org/departments/human-services/public-health

Rising Measles Cases in Pennsylvania and South Jersey: Updated 2026 Guidance for Families in the Philadelphia Metro Area